MLB POWER RANKINGS

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Power Rankings

Week7 Power rankings

The winter meetings wrapped up last week with the Red Sox adding outfielder Carl Crawford and all but locking up the top spot in our latest Power Rankings. ... That is until the Phillies and Cliff Lee celebrated an unexpected homecoming late Monday night. All this and more in the special post-winter meetings edition of Power Rankings.

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The Rays are still clinging to the top spot, but what's happened to the offense? They've scored 10 runs over their last four games, and that stretch includes, of course, the Dallas Braden perfect game that was perpetrated against them. Overall, though, th

The Rays are still clinging to the top spot, but what's happened to the offense? They've scored 10 runs over their last four games, and that stretch includes, of course, the Dallas Braden perfect game that was perpetrated against them. Overall, though, the Rays have turned into road warriors. Last season, Tampa Bay was 32-49 away from the Trop, but in 2010 they're 13-4 in such contests. Ten of the Rays' next 12 come against the Angels, Indians, Mariners and Astros, so there will be plenty of chances to fatten up.

The injuries are mounting. Curtis Granderson has no clear timetable for his return, and Nick Johnson will miss the next several weeks with an inflamed wrist tendon. Additionally, Mariano Rivera has been sidelined, but he and Jorge Posada are both back. In

The injuries are mounting. Curtis Granderson has no clear timetable for his return, and Nick Johnson will miss the next several weeks with an inflamed wrist tendon. Additionally, Mariano Rivera has been sidelined, but he and Jorge Posada are both back. Injuries are bound to happen when your roster is this old, but the Yankees just keep winning. It's a big stretch ahead, as the Yanks' next 16 games come against the Tigers, Twins, Red Sox, Rays and Mets.

Everything's coming up Twins! Joe Mauer is back in the lineup, and the Twins are coming off a sweep of Detroit and a stretch in which they went 4-2 without the services of their best player. So are the Twins on the level of the AL East powers? We'll find

Everything's coming up Twins! Joe Mauer is back in the lineup, and the Twins are coming off a sweep of Detroit and a stretch in which they went 4-2 without the services of their best player. So are the Twins on the level of the AL East powers? We'll find out soon, as Minny visits the Yankees for a big weekend series that starts Friday.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. The Phillies, by taking three of four from the Cardinals, reminded the rest of the Senior Circuit that they lay claim to the last two pennants. Overall, the Phillies have won eight of 10. Jimmy Rollins has begun a

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. The Phillies, by taking three of four from the Cardinals, reminded the rest of the Senior Circuit that they lay claim to the last two pennants. Overall, the Phillies have won eight of 10. Jimmy Rollins has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Cole Hamels has looked better of late. As for Roy Halladay, he leads the NL in innings, complete games, shutouts and strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The pitching continues to be exceptional, and the offense continues to be a problem. Albert Pujols is slumping, and the Cards are getting precious little production from the middle infield. Speaking of the middle infield, something that might help matters

The pitching continues to be exceptional, and the offense continues to be a problem. Albert Pujols is slumping, and the Cards are getting precious little production from the middle infield. Speaking of the middle infield, something that might help matters is the return of Felipe Lopez. He's been cleared to throw and swing a bat, and he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week.

In the NL, only the Phillies have a better run differential than San Fran. The rotation has been tremendous, and that's no surprise. What is a bit of a surprise is that the Giants have been so successful to date despite being on pace to set a record for h

In the NL, only the Phillies have a better run differential than San Fran. The rotation has been tremendous, and that's no surprise. What is a bit of a surprise is that the Giants have been so successful to date despite being on pace to set a record for hitting into double plays. That's not what an already suspect offense needs to be doing. Freddy Sanchez should be back within two weeks.

The Pads, in defiance of expectations, continue to pace the NL West. On that front, they'll face the Giants starting Tuesday in a three-game road series (they'll then play two in San Diego starting next Monday). Jon Garland and Wade LeBlanc continue to pi

The Pads, in defiance of expectations, continue to pace the NL West. On that front, they'll face the Giants starting Tuesday in a three-game road series (they'll then play two in San Diego starting next Monday). Jon Garland and Wade LeBlanc continue to pitch exceptionally well, and that's a good thing since Chris Young is making little progress in his recovery from a shoulder injury.

The Rays aren't the only AL East squad that's cleaning up on the road. Even after Monday's loss in Boston, the Jays have won six of their last eight on the road, and on the season they're 12-5 away from Rogers Centre. Consider Vernon Wells a candidate for

The Rays aren't the only AL East squad that's cleaning up on the road. Even after Monday's loss in Boston, the Jays have won six of their last eight on the road, and on the season they're 12-5 away from Rogers Centre. Consider Vernon Wells a candidate for AL Comeback Player of the Year, and consider Lyle Overbay's lack of production a serious problem.

As things off the field in Arlington continue to fall apart, things on the field are getting much better. Elvis Andrus is providing nifty glovework at short and also posting the eighth-best OBP in the American League. Nelson Cruz, the team's best hitter t

As things off the field in Arlington continue to fall apart, things on the field are getting much better. Elvis Andrus is providing nifty glovework at short and also posting the eighth-best OBP in the American League. Nelson Cruz, the team's best hitter thus far in 2010, should be back in the lineup by Thursday. Derek Holland will also make his debut later this week. Texas is the team to beat in the AL West.

Bookending that sweep at the hands of the Twins is some pretty good baseball on Detroit's part. The offense ranks third in the AL in OPS but just sixth in runs scored. That's mostly because they're hitting just .245 with runners in scoring position. Johnn

Bookending that sweep at the hands of the Twins is some pretty good baseball on Detroit's part. The offense ranks third in the AL in OPS but just sixth in runs scored. That's mostly because they're hitting just .245 with runners in scoring position. Johnny Damon has delivered thus far, and Austin Jackson is a serious Rookie-of-the-Year candidate. However, Detroit needs better pitching from Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello.

Big road series against the Rangers starts Tuesday. Ben Sheets, seemingly the rotation's weak link, has pitched quite well outside of two disaster starts. The A's offense ranks 12th in the 14-team AL in SLG, so they could use more power. Kudos to Dallas B

Big road series against the Rangers starts Tuesday. Ben Sheets, seemingly the rotation's weak link, has pitched quite well outside of two disaster starts. The A's offense ranks 12th in the 14-team AL in SLG, so they could use more power. Kudos to Dallas Braden for an inspiring perfect game on Mother's Day.

Break up the Nats! Most of us keep waiting for them to backslide, but they just keep on keeping on. At this writing, the upstart Nats are just one game off the NL Wild Card pace. Ryan Zimmerman has played like an MVP when healthy, Adam Dunn and Josh Willi

Break up the Nats! Most of us keep waiting for them to backslide, but they just keep on keeping on. At this writing, the upstart Nats are just one game off the NL Wild Card pace. Ryan Zimmerman has played like an MVP when healthy, Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham are among the league leaders in walks, Pudge Rodriguez is batting .365, and Ian Desmond has been a standout rookie thus far. As for Stephen Strasburg, he sparkled in his Triple-A debut.

The Mets are struggling to score runs, and the rotation has been woefully inconsistent. On the positive side, the Mets bullpen boasts an outstanding ERA of 2.69 and has also given up only one unearned run on the season. The schedule has been tough for a w

The Mets are struggling to score runs, and the rotation has been woefully inconsistent. On the positive side, the Mets bullpen boasts an outstanding ERA of 2.69 and has also given up only one unearned run on the season. The schedule has been tough for a while, and it's not going to lighten up: the Mets' next eight come on the road, and then they'll play six at home against the Phillies and Yankees.

For the moment at least, the Sox have nosed above .500. There's certainly nothing wrong the offense, which ranks third in the AL in runs scored. As for what's dragging down Boston, the discussion starts with Josh Beckett and his 7.46 ERA. In fact, most of

For the moment at least, the Sox have nosed above .500. There's certainly nothing wrong the offense, which ranks third in the AL in runs scored. As for what's dragging down Boston, the discussion starts with Josh Beckett and his 7.46 ERA. In fact, most of the rotation has been problematic, and the same goes for Boston's left-handed relief.

The Rox have a strong run differential, but the record doesn't match. Their 2-6 record in one-run games has a little something to do with that disconnect. That figures to improve. Speaking of "figuring to improve," Troy Tulowitzki is heating up, and he'll

The Rox have a strong run differential, but the record doesn't match. Their 2-6 record in one-run games has a little something to do with that disconnect. That figures to improve. Speaking of "figuring to improve," Troy Tulowitzki is heating up, and he'll avoid the disabled list (sore quad). Elsewhere, Colorado needs to get healthy in the rotation.

The Reds continue to push toward respectability. Joey Votto is hitting like an MVP, and Jay Bruce is finding his stroke. However, Mike Leake is the only starting pitcher who's performed acceptably thus far. They'll get a chance to take a bite out of the C

The Reds continue to push toward respectability. Joey Votto is hitting like an MVP, and Jay Bruce is finding his stroke. However, Mike Leake is the only starting pitcher who's performed acceptably thus far. They'll get a chance to take a bite out of the Cardinals' lead starting Friday.

Milwaukee wrapped up a West Coast jaunt by taking two of three from the Dodgers and sweeping the D-Backs. The offense is arguably tops in the NL, and that's despite Prince Fielder's disappointing numbers. The pitching just isn't there, though.

Jorge Cantu has been steadily coming back to earth, but Hanley Ramirez remains what he is -- an elite performer. The Florida rotation has been solid enough, but unless they get more reliable relief they're not going to hang with the Phillies. When will Mi

Jorge Cantu has been steadily coming back to earth, but Hanley Ramirez remains what he is -- an elite performer. The Florida rotation has been solid enough, but unless they get more reliable relief they're not going to hang with the Phillies. When will Mike Stanton arrive?

Andre Ethier -- is he the NL MVP at the moment? He's certainly authoring some devastating numbers, and his gift for the moment has also been on display. The back of the rotation figures to be a problem all season long, but if Chad Billingsley can right hi

Andre Ethier -- is he the NL MVP at the moment? He's certainly authoring some devastating numbers, and his gift for the moment has also been on display. The back of the rotation figures to be a problem all season long, but if Chad Billingsley can right himself, then the Dodgers will have a formidable front three. Slow start aside, they'll be heard from in the NL West race.

Starlin Castro provides an emotional boost to a team badly in need of one. His potential is legit, and, as he proved in his debut, so is his power. Castro is still raw defensively -- particularly on his throws -- but the presence of Alan Trammell in the d

Starlin Castro provides an emotional boost to a team badly in need of one. His potential is legit, and, as he proved in his debut, so is his power. Castro is still raw defensively -- particularly on his throws -- but the presence of Alan Trammell in the dugout should help his development. Otherwise, the rotation is beginning to struggle. Perhaps Carlos Zambrano will get another look at some point? An eight-game homestand started Monday.

Brian McCann's power outage is a concern this season. In fact, no Brave is hitting for power except for rookie Jason Heyward, who hopes his injured groin will allow him to return to the lineup on Tuesday. Jair Jurrjens probably won't be back any time soon

Brian McCann's power outage is a concern this season. In fact, no Brave is hitting for power except for rookie Jason Heyward, who hopes his injured groin will allow him to return to the lineup on Tuesday. Jair Jurrjens probably won't be back any time soon, but the bullpen, for the most part, has been outstanding. Atlanta has the pitching to contend, but will Heyward get the help he needs on offense?

Scoring runs certainly isn't Arizona's problem. They lead the NL in homers, and only the Brewers have crossed the plate more often. However, the bullpen has been criminally bad. Among relievers who have appeared in a game for the Snakes this season, the l

Scoring runs certainly isn't Arizona's problem. They lead the NL in homers, and only the Brewers have crossed the plate more often. However, the bullpen has been criminally bad. Among relievers who have appeared in a game for the Snakes this season, the lowest ERA is Aaron Heilman's 4.26. The other nine pitchers to work in relief in 2010 all have ERAs of 6.00 or worse. Seriously, we need a new word to describe the depths of the Arizona bullpen. The old words just won't do.

The Angels can't get on base, and the rotation behind Jered Weaver can't get anyone out. Another serious problem: The Anaheim bullpen has walked 72 batters in 95.0 innings. Stated another way, Angel relievers have walked more batters than Angel starters h

The Angels can't get on base, and the rotation behind Jered Weaver can't get anyone out. Another serious problem: The Anaheim bullpen has walked 72 batters in 95.0 innings. Stated another way, Angel relievers have walked more batters than Angel starters have, and they've done so despite pitching about 100 fewer innings. They'll blow a lot of leads if that keeps up.

Has Ozzie Guillen finally had enough of closer Bobby Jenks and his 6.75 ERA? Recent comments suggest so. Elsewhere, the Sox badly need for someone other than Paul Konerko, Alex Rios and Andruw Jones to help with the heavy lifting on offense. The Sox are a

Has Ozzie Guillen finally had enough of closer Bobby Jenks and his 6.75 ERA? Recent comments suggest so. Elsewhere, the Sox badly need for someone other than Paul Konerko, Alex Rios and Andruw Jones to help with the heavy lifting on offense. The Sox are a real threat to post back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998-99.

The Tribe has dropped seven of nine, but the consoling news is that their next six come against the Royals and Orioles. So who really wants to be the worst team in the American League? Cleveland's problem is, mostly, an offense that ranks next to l

The Tribe has dropped seven of nine, but the consoling news is that their next six come against the Royals and Orioles. So who really wants to be the worst team in the American League? Cleveland's problem is, mostly, an offense that ranks next to last in the AL in OPS. On the upside, unlike Houston and Seattle, they have more home runs than Paul Konerko. Kerry Wood's back, so that's ... something.

The M's galling lack of power continues to haunt the team. Franchise icon Ken Griffey Jr. could retire or be released soon. The question, though, is why the Mariners brought him back in the first place, given Junior's declining skills, their surfeit of DH

The M's galling lack of power continues to haunt the team. Franchise icon Ken Griffey Jr. could retire or be released soon. The question, though, is why the Mariners brought him back in the first place, given Junior's declining skills, their surfeit of DH types, and the fact that Junior already had his farewell tour last season. That's poor roster construction, but at the moment it's the least of Seattle's problems.

Andrew McCutchen continues to live up to the press clippings, but no one else is really hitting. On the pitching side of things, it's looked better lately, but the overall numbers remain troubling. Pirate starters are averaging 5.0 innings per start. That

Andrew McCutchen continues to live up to the press clippings, but no one else is really hitting. On the pitching side of things, it's looked better lately, but the overall numbers remain troubling. Pirate starters are averaging 5.0 innings per start. That's one way to wear out your bullpen by July. Unless that trend is arrested, the Buccos could be in for an ugly second half.

Rick Ankiel is on the DL with a strained quad, but given his struggles at the plate he can't be considered much of a loss. Zack Greinke continues to deserve much better, and Trey Hillman continues to prove he's a bad manager. This may not be the very wors

Rick Ankiel is on the DL with a strained quad, but given his struggles at the plate he can't be considered much of a loss. Zack Greinke continues to deserve much better, and Trey Hillman continues to prove he's a bad manager. This may not be the very worst team at the moment, but it's certainly the worst organization in all of baseball.

The O's have the worst record in baseball, but consider the context: 29 of their 32 games have come against teams with winning records. As well, the Pirates and Astros both have worse run differentials (although that's about as cold as comfort gets). Spea

The O's have the worst record in baseball, but consider the context: 29 of their 32 games have come against teams with winning records. As well, the Pirates and Astros both have worse run differentials (although that's about as cold as comfort gets). Speaking of that schedule, Baltimore's next eight come at home against the Mariners, Indians and Royals, so things figure to improve in the near term. The team OBP of .305 needs to improve in a hurry.

How bad has the Houston offense been this season? They rank last in the NL in runs, batting average, OBP, SLG, home runs, doubles, hits and walks. Roy Oswalt, among a few others, is pitching quite well, but no conceivable level of run prevention can make

How bad has the Houston offense been this season? They rank last in the NL in runs, batting average, OBP, SLG, home runs, doubles, hits and walks. Roy Oswalt, among a few others, is pitching quite well, but no conceivable level of run prevention can make up for an offense that's so unthinkably bad.

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